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  • WBCS Current Affairs 17 March 2018 To 23 March 2018
    Posted on April 21st, 2018 in Weekly Current Affairs
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    WBCS Current Affairs 17 March 2018 To 23 March 2018

    West Bengal Civil Service (Executive), popularly known as W.B.C.S.(Exe), is the civil service of the Indian state of West Bengal. For the W.B.C.S.(Exe) and other comparative posts, Public Service Commission of West Bengal arranges competitive examinations in three phases every year.Knowing the syllabus of W.B.C.S. Examination thoroughly is the first step towards this exam.The mains syllabus of W.B.C.S. is very descriptive.Following the previous years question papers are very important while preparing for this examination.1) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved launch of Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The scheme will integrate two on-going centrally sponsored schemes viz. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS). Key Features of AB-NHPM: AB-NHPM aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. It will cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. Benefit cover: It includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It will cover all pre-existing conditions from beginning of the policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to the beneficiary. Cashless benefits: The scheme allows the beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private empanelled hospitals across the country. The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which will be defined by Government in advance basis. The package rates will include all the costs associated with treatment. Role of state governments: They will be allowed to expand the scheme both horizontally and vertically. Thye will be free to choose modalities for implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. Implementation: States/UTs will have also flexibility to modify these rates within limited bandwidth. For beneficiaries, it will be cashless and paper less transaction. States will be required to form State Health Agency (SHA) to implement scheme and at district level also, a structure for implementation of the scheme will be set up. Escrow account: To ensure that funds reach SHA on time, transfer of funds from Central Government through AB-NHPMA to State Health Agencies may be done through an escrow account directly. IT platform: The scheme will work in partnership with NITI Aayog to operationalise a robust, modular and interoperable IT platform which will involve a paperless and cashless transaction. Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister. Entitlement: It is entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on basis of deprivation criteria in SECC database. Different categories of families covered under scheme are Families having only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof, families having no adult member between age 16 to 59, female headed households with no adult male member between age 16 to 59, disabled member and no able bodied adult member in family, SC/ST households, landless households deriving major part of their income from manual casual labour. It will also automatically include families in rural areas having any one of the following- households without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive tribal groups or legally released bonded labour. For urban areas, 11 defined occupational categories will be entitled under scheme.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 17 March 2018 To 23 March 2018.
    2) The Union Cabinet has approved second and final extension of term of Commission constituted to examine issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes in Central List for period of twelve weeks upto June, 2018. The Commission was constituted with approval of President under article 340 of Constitution in October, 2017. It is headed by Justice (Retd.) G. Rohini. Key Facts: The commission was tasked to examine extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among castes included in broad category of OBCs, especially with reference to OBCs included in the Central list. It was also tasked to take up exercise of identifying respective castes/sub-castes/communities synonyms in Central List of OBCs and classify them into their respective sub-categories. It mandate was to work out mechanism, norms, criteria and parameters, in scientific approach, for sub-categorization within such OBCs. Since its inception, the commission has interacted with all States/UTs which have subcategorized OBCs and State Backward Classes Commissions. It also has requisitioned data from Higher Education Institutions regarding admission of OBCs to higher education courses as well as data regarding recruitment of OBC persons in Government jobs to assess magnitude of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among castes and communities included in Centre List of OBCs.
    3) The World Water Day (WWD) is observed every year on 22 March to spread message of preservation and rationaal consumption of water. The day puts emphasis on the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It focuses attention on importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in developing countries. The theme this year is ‘Nature for Water’. It explores how nature can be used to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century. Background: The WWD was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. Later, UN General Assembly (UNGA) accepted recommendation of UNCED and instituted this day by adopting a resolution A/RES/47/193 in December 1992. The first World Water Day was celebrated on 22 March 1993. Since then, it is observed annually to draw attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.
    4) The Union Cabinet has approved North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 to promote employment in North Eastern Region states including Sikkim.NEIDS is combination of the incentives covered under the earlier two government schemes with a much larger outlay. It will have financial outlay of Rs. 3000 crores upto March, 2020. Purpose of NEIDS 2017: Promote industrialization: It will promote industrialization in North Eastern Region (NER) states including Sikkim and will boost income generation and employment. Promote employment: For this, government is incentivizing primarily MSME Sector through this scheme. It is also providing specific incentive through scheme to generate employment. Benefits to industrial units: It will provide various incentives and benefits to all eligible industrial units. The overall cap for benefits under all components of incentives will be of Rs. 200 crores per unit. Incentives to be provided to new industrial units in NER: Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC): Under it, 30% of investment in Plant and Machinery with upper limit of Rs.5 Crore will be provided per unit. Central Interest Incentive (Cll): It will be 3% on working capital credit advanced by eligible Banks and Financial institutions for first 5 years from date of commencement of commercial production by unit. Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): It will provide reimbursement of 100% insurance premium on insurance of building and Plant & Machinery for 5 years from date of commencement of commercial production by unit. Goods and Service Tax (GST) Reimbursement: It will be up to extent of Central Government share of CGST and IGST for 5 years from date of commencement of commercial production by unit. Income-Tax (IT) Reimbursement: It will be of Centre’s share of income tax for first 5 years including year of commencement of commercial production by unit. Employment Incentive (EI): Government will pay 3.67% of employer’s contribution to Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in addition to its bearing 8.33% Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) contribution of employer in Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY). Transport Incentive (TI): Indian Railways will provide 20% of cost of transportation including subsidy currently provided for movement of finished goods by rail. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will provide 20% of cost of transportation for finished goods for movement through inland waterways. Airport nearest to place of production will provide 33% of cost of transportation of air freight on perishable goods (defined by IATA) to any airport within country.
    5) The Union Cabinet has approved proposal for moving official amendments in Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016. Once the Bill is enacted by Parliament, National Surrogacy Board (NSB) will be constituted at central level. The States/UTs will constitute State Surrogacy Boards (SSBs) and State Appropriate Authorities within 3 months of notification by Central Government. Background: India has emerged as surrogacy hub for couples from different countries and there have been reported incidents concerning unethical practices, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy, exploitation of surrogate mothers and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes. The 228th report of Law Commission of India has recommended for prohibiting commercial surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting suitable legislation. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016: The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in November 2016 which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017. The committee had held various meetings with various stakeholders for holding discussions and to receive their suggestions. The proposed legislation proposes to regulate surrogacy in India by establishing NSB at central level and, SSBs and Appropriate Authorities in States/UTs. It also seeks to ensure effective regulation of surrogacy, prohibit commercial surrogacy and allow altruistic surrogacy to needy Indian infertile couples. The Bill will apply to whole of India, except Jammu and Kashmir. Significane of Bill: The proposed law will regulate surrogacy services in country and rein unethical practices in surrogacy. It will prevent commercialization of surrogacy and prohibit potential exploitation of surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy. It will prohibit commercial surrogacy including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes. It will allow ethical surrogacy to needy infertile couples on fulfillment of certain conditions and for specific purposes. It will protect rights of surrogate mother and children born out of surrogacy will be protected.
    6) The Union Cabinet has approved opening of 18 new Indian Missions in Africa over four year period from 2018-2021. Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key Facts: The 18 new Indian Missions in Africa will be opened in Cape Verde, Chad, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Swaziland and Togo. It will increase number of Resident Indian Missions in Africa from 29 to 47. Significance: The decision will enhance India’s diplomatic outreach and increase its footprints in resource-rich African continent. It will allow India to engage with Indian diaspora in African countries. It is also considered as step towards implementing vision of enhanced co-operation and engagement with Africa. It will further enhance cooperation to implement commitments of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III).
    7) The Union Cabinet has given its in principle approval for inclusion of communities, namely ‘Parivara and Talawara’ as synonym of Nayaka at in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Karnataka. This approval fulfils long term demand of these communities for granting ST status in Karnataka. With this inclusion, persons belonging to these communities will be eligible to get ST certificate from Karnataka. They will also be eligible for all benefits meant for ST in state. Background: Scheduled Tribes are notified under Article 342 of Constitution. Karnataka Government had recommended for inclusion of Parivara and Talawara communities as synonyms of ‘Nayaka’ in list STs of state. The first specification of STs in relation to particular State/Union territory is by notified Order of President, after consultation with concerned state government/UT. Any subsequent inclusion in or exclusion from and other modifications in list of STs can be made only through amending Act of Parliament.
    8) The Union Cabinet has given its approval for revision existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Qatar. The purpose of revision is for avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The existing DTAA between India and Qatar was signed in April 1999 and came into force in January, 2000. The Features of Revised DTAA: It updates provisions for exchange of information to latest standard. It includes Limitation of Benefits (LOB) provision to prevent treaty shopping and aligns other provisions with India’s recent treaties. It meets minimum standards on treaty abuse under Action 6 and Mutual Agreement Procedure under Action 14 of G-20 OECD Base Erosion & Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project to which India is participating. Treaty Shopping: Under it, a resident of third country invests by taking advantage of fiscal treaty between India and another contracting state. This has greatly contributed in encouraging FDI in country but has been medium of tax evasion. The roots of Treaty shopping are in inconsistencies among international tax regimes. If there is dissimilarity of tax systems, it can lead to distortion of investment flows. It can be controlled by introduction of limitation of benefit clause (LOB) and other clauses which limit benefits to residents of two countries only.
    9) The Union Cabinet has given its approval for closure of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI).The purpose of closure is to enhance synergies in channelizing contributions of Indian diaspora to Government’s flagship programmes such as National Mission for clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission. It also seeks to enhance synergies, improve efficiencies and avoid duplication of work. Background: IDF-OI was set up by Central Government in 2008 as an autonomous not-for-profit Trust. Its mandate was to facilitate Overseas Indian philanthropy into social and development projects in India. The trust was chaired by External Affairs Minister. Government had added flagship programmes such as National Mission for Clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission and other social and development projects identified by state governments to the mandate of IDF-OI. The IDF-OI had received only Rs. 36.80 lakhs between December 2008 and March 2015 as donation from overseas Indian community. Later in between April 2015 and March 2018, it had received Rs.10.16 crore, most of contribution received were for projects related to National Mission for Clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission.
    10) The Union Ministry of Mines has launched Sand Mining Framework to help states deal with the sand mining issues, including demand supply deficit and illegal extraction. It was launched at the third National Conclave on Mines & Minerals held in New Delhi. Key Facts: The main objective of framework is to assist states in arriving at best possible options before them. It also seeks to addresses issues of state objectives, demand-supply assessment and measures to sand availability, allocation model, transportation and monitoring mechanism. Besides, it also includes suggestions for faster clearances and approvals and using its interventions in complete process chain of sand mining. It also lays emphasis on alternatives of sand i.e. manufactured sand, import of sand etc. Need for framework: Sand is an important component for housing, infrastructure projects and construction activities. There have been various issues across the country in mining activities related to sand like non availability of sand, environmental degradation, high sand prices, illegalities in sand mining etc. The natural endowment of sand across many states is unable to meet the demand and is coupled with unease of extraction issues, pricing and illegalities in mining. So there was need of uniform framework to help states to frame their policies, taking into consideration their objectives, endowments and state deployment of resources.
    11) The University Grants Commission (UGC) approved proposal to grant full autonomy to 62 higher educational institutions which have maintained high standards of excellence under Autonomous Colleges Regulation. These 62 higher educational institutions include 5 central universities, 21 state universities, 26 private universities and 10 other colleges. Key Facts: The complete autonomy will allow these higher educational institutions to start new courses, new departments, new programmes, skill courses, off campuses, research parks, appoint foreign faculty, take foreign students, offer variable incentive packages and introduce online distance learning. They can also get into academic collaboration with top five hundred universities of the world. They can also decide their admission procedure, fee structure and curriculum, among others. They will not have to come to UGC again and again for seeking permission as they maintained quality and achieved a benchmark of 3.26 and above NAAC (National Accreditation and Assessment Council) ranking. The 10 colleges which have been granted autonomy will have full freedom but not degree awarding powers. These colleges will be free to conduct admissions, decide curriculum, conduct exams on their own and evaluate them and declare results. However, degrees awarded will have university name along with theirs. University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC is statutory body set up by Union government in accordance to the UGC Act 1956. It functions under Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is mandated to initiate important decisions and dialogues which have important bearing on the entire student population of the country. The three primary functions of UGC include overseeing distribution of grants to universities and colleges in India, providing scholarships and fellowships to beneficiaries and monitoring conformity to its regulations by universities and colleges.
    12) The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under Ministry of Finance has scrapped export duty of 20% on raw and refined sugar to boost shipments. The removal of export duty will help to export excess sugar output in India for sugar season 2017-18. This will also prevent further price erosion of the domestic sugar prices. Background: Sugar output is estimated to rise sharply to 29.5 million tonnes (MT) in 2017-18 marketing year (October-September) from 20.3 MT in the previous year. The domestic demand is 24-25 million tonnes annually. With domestic prices falling below cost of production, there was demand scrapping of export duty to liquidate surplus domestic stock. In February 2018, Government had doubled import duty on sugar to 100% and restricted sale by mills to keep a checking on falling prices.
    13) The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) celebrated its sixth Foundation Day. The observance of the day was themed around ‘Sustaining Innovation – A Market Driven Pathway’. The event was attended by large number of dignitaries from scientific and industry sectors both from within country and overseas. Key Facts: Since its inception, BIRAC has supported over 650 projects, more than 500 start-ups and entrepreneurs and 30 incubators across the country. It has resulted in development of over 100 products and technologies and 150 Intellectual property (IP) rights being generated. It has launched over 10 flagship schemes that are supported by funding from Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and manages 7 collaboratively funded programs with international partners. It tries to galvanize social impact by piloting research and extension services within series of thematic calls and other global definite initiatives to improve public health and beyond. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): BIRAC is not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) set up by DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology to empower emerging biotech industry to undertake strategic research and innovation. It is basically industry academia interface. It implements its mandate through wide range of impact initiatives like providing access to risk capital through targeted funding, technology transfer, IP management and handholding schemes that help bring innovation excellence to Indian biotech firms and make them globally competitive. BIRAC has initiated several schemes, networks and platforms to bridge existing gap between industry-academia research and facilitate novel, high quality and cost-effective affordable technologies. It has initiated partnerships with several national and global partners to collaborate and deliver its mandate. Mandate: Foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Enable commercialization of discovery. Promote affordable innovation in key social sectors. Ensure global competitiveness of Indian enterprises. Empowerment of start-ups & small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Contribute through partners for capability enhancement and diffusion of innovation.
    14) NITI Aayog and Piramal Foundation have inked Statement of Intent (SoI) to work closely with District Collectors and key officers of ‘Aspirational Districts’ to support their transformation in terms of healthcare, education and nutrition. The collaboration is for four years with the option to continue, based on mutual agreement. Key Facts: Under the SoI with NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation will work in close conjunction with district administration, Central Prabhari Officers, State Prabhari Officers, state government and concerned Central ministries to improve identified indicators by strengthening existing public systems specifically in health and nutrition and education sectors. Piramal Foundation will also provide support by focusing on leadership development, change management, technology integration and implementing various innovative practices. Background: The Union Government had selected 115 backward (aspirational) districts for rapid transformation by 2022 in line with Government’s vision to create ‘New India’. NITI Aayog had ranked these districts on six socio-economic parameters, pertaining to health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. These 115 backward districts include 35 districts affected by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) violence, 55 districts just affected by LWE and another 15 including districts in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast affected by terrorism. Government has embarked upon major policy initiative for rapid transformation of these 115 districts that are lagging on specific development parameters. For this government will leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), aided by technology to bring radical transformation of these aspirational districts.
    15) The National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) project of Ministry of Culture was certified as world’s first Trusted Digital Repository as per ISO 16363:2012 standard. The certification was granted by Primary Trustworthy Digital Repository Authorisation Body Ltd. (PTAB), United Kingdom. National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA): NCAA is implemented by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Its primary objective is to identify and preserve cultural heritage of India available in audiovisual form through process of digitization and make it accessible to the people. The digitization and metadata standards followed for NCAA are in parity with international standards within overall framework of OAIS (Open Archival Information System) model. They digitization standards are as per prescribed by International Association of Sound & Audiovisual Archives (IASA) and metadata schema is extended Dublin Core, followed by galleries, archives, libraries, and museums worldwide. At present, NCAA has total of 21 Partnering Institutions from across the country, covering 11 governmental and 10 non-governmental cultural organisations It has digitized over 23,000 hours of unpublished audiovisual recordings. NCAA pilot digital repository was developed in collaboration with Centre of Excellence for Digital Preservation by C-DAC, Pune. It was established with and powered by DIGITĀLAYA (डिजिटालय), developed by C-DAC Pune in compliance with OAIS Reference Model ISO 14721:2012. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): IGNCA has been set up by Government as premier research institute dedicated to holistic understanding and expression of Indian arts in their inter and multi-disciplinary nature. Its principal aim is to serve as major national resource centre for the arts. It is nodal agency for data bank on art, humanities and cultural heritage. It also has been identified by UNESCO as nodal agency for development of regional databases for South and South East Asian countries on art, cultural heritage and life-styles using state-of-the-art technologies for standardization, dissemination and exchange of data.
    16) The Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has approved proposal of setting up of Plastic Park in Deoghar District, Jharkhand. The project will be set up at cost of Rs.120 crores in an area of 150 acres. Moreover, it will also set up Central Institute for Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET) and Plastic Recycling unit at Deoghar. Key Facts: The plastic park will manufacture range of polymer products including woven sacks, moulded furniture, water tanks, bottles, pipes mosquito nets, etc. It will have great potential for attracting investment for setting up ecosystem for plastic industry and generate employment opportunities for the local populace. The project is likely to provide direct employment generation to about 6000 people and indirect employment to over 30000 people. Jharkhand Government will facilitate land and building infrastructure for this project and also to set up Central Institute for Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET) alongside the park. Significance: The plastic industry is growing at rapid pace and polymer consumption in India will double from current 10 million metric tonnes to 20 million metric tonnes by 2022. The Plastic Park, CIPET and Plastic Recycling unit at Deoghar will build an ecosystem that will encourage setting up of Plastic Industry, thereby making it ‘Plastic Hub’ in the future.
    17) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship have signed MoU to conduct skill development training programmes for agriculture and allied sector. These skill development training programmes will be conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs). Key Facts: The MoU will help to increase cooperation between both ministries and help in fulfilling Government’s dream of “Kaushal Bharat-Kushal Bharat”. It will help to increase agricultural productivity, post-harvest management and fair-prices to the farmers for their produce, lower risk in agriculture and strengthen and develop other aspects of farmers’ income such as horticulture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, dairying, fisheries etc. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK): KVK is a project of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) for testing and transfer of Agricultural technologies at grassroot level. These centres are located in every state. The first KVK, on a pilot basis was established in 1974 at Puducherry under the administrative control of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. At present there are 668 KVKs, out of which 458 are under Central Agricultural University (CAU) and State Agricultural Universities (SAU), 55 under ICAR Institutes, 35 under State Governments, 100 under NGOs, and remaining 17 under other educational institutions. Mandate of KVK: Its mandate is of technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development. Each KVK is envisaged with following activities. On-farm testing to assess location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies. Frontline demonstrations of technologies to establish production potential on fields. Work as knowledge and resource centre of agricultural technologies to support initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors to improve agricultural economy of district. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers. Increase self-employment opportunities among farming communities.
    18) The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC) have signed MoU to provide livelihood opportunities and augment income of forest based communities. The MoU will be valid for period of 10 years. Features of MoU: Prioritization of technologies developed by ICFRE in consultation with stakeholders. Patent searching and filing in field of forestry and allied subjects. Identify technology gaps and commercialization of technologies. Forest based technologies extension and transfer through stakeholder consultations. Create IPR awareness in field of forestry and environment including wood science and allied subjects for ICFRE and its institutes. Significance: The MoU will help to open up gate of synergy and collaboration between two organisations in areas of forest technology, extension and commercialization to various stakeholder including farmers, industries and others. It will assist industries to optimize utilization of forest based resources with access of technology to different users. Through this collaboration, TIFAC will help ICFRE to refine and up-scale the technologies developed, take technologies to end users including farmers, state forest departments, forest based industries and forest dependent communities in more effective manner. TIFAC: It is autonomous council under Department of Science and Technology. It was established as a registered Society in February 1988. It is mandated to assess state-of-art of technology and set directions for future technological development in India in important socio-economic sectors. It is headquartered in New Delhi. ICFRE: ICFRE is autonomous organisation under Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Its mandate is to conduct forestry research, transfer technologies developed to states and other user agencies and to impart forestry education.
    19) India and Hong Kong have signed agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Hong Kong is former British colony and is special administrative region of China which enjoys a high degree of autonomy under which it has an independent taxation system. It is an important financial and trading partner of India and the absence of a treaty was seen hindrance in many ways. Key Facts: This agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Hong Kong and vice versa, prevent double taxation and provide for exchange of information between two contracting parties. It will also improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance. It will provide investors advantage of lower withholding tax of 10% on interest or royalties provided they fulfil main purpose test which broadly checks that transaction is not entered specifically to avoid taxes. It will also provide for capital gains taxation of indirect transfers. It provides that gains from sale of shares of company deriving more than 50% of its value from property situated in country will be taxed in that country. This agreement will give protection against double taxation to over 1,500 Indian companies and businesses that have presence in Hong Kong as well as to Hong Kong-based companies providing services in India.
    20) India’s Department of Space (DoS) and European Union (EU) have signed cooperation agreement related to sharing of earth observation satellite data. The agreement aims to strengthen and stimulate cooperation on earth observation and mutual access to data from EU’s Sentinel series of satellites and from Indian earth observation satellites. The data sharing will provide mutual benefits, in particular in pursuit of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Key Facts: Under this arrangement, EU will provide India with free, full and open access to data from Copernicus Sentinel family of satellites using high bandwidth connections from data hub to data hub. Reciprocally, India will provide Copernicus programme and its participating states with free, full and open access to data from ISRO’s earth observation satellites including historical data sets. This comprises data from land, ocean and atmospheric series of ISRO’s civilian satellites (Oceansat-2, Scatsat-1, Megha-Tropiques, SARAL, INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR) with exception of commercial high-resolution satellites data. The agreement also envisages technical assistance for establishment of high bandwidth connections with ISRO sites, in particular through setting up of mirror servers, data storage and archival facilities. Copernicus programme: It is the world’s largest single earth observation programme directed by European Commission in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). It aims at achieving global, continuous, autonomous, high quality, wide range Earth observation capacity. It provides wide range of applications like climate change, ocean, land and atmosphere monitoring as well as support in forecasting, management and mitigation of natural disasters. Its full, free and open data policy has proven its merits and allowed development of thriving user base in Europe and beyond.
    21) Indian Railways has formally handed over eighteen 1350 HP AC/DC diesel electric locomotives to Myanma Railways. It was the first project completed in current Indian Line of Credit (LoC). Key Facts: India and Myanmar have been long enjoying cooperation in Railway sector over the last two decades. Moreover, Indian Railways is playing a pivotal role in developing cordial relations with the neighboring countries. The 18 locomotives were supplied by RITES, a PSU of Ministry of Railways and manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. They are fitted with micro-processor control based system. They are extremely fuel efficient are equipped with latest features. They maximum speed of 100 kmph and have been customised for Myanma Railways. Most of these supplies were carried out under Indian LoC. As per agreement singed between both countries, all locomotives were to be delivered by September 2018. They have been delivered six months ahead of the schedule. RITES: RITES is PSE under Ministry of Railways. It is export arm of railways undertaking various projects worldwide. It is engaged in supply of Railway rolling stock vz. locomotives, wagons, coaches, permanent way maintenance vehicles, maintenance of railway infrastructure, technical studies, training of railway officials of other countries.
    22) The Indo-French joint naval exercise Varuna-18 was held in Arabian Sea off Goa coast. It was aimed to explore measures to facilitate operational-level interactions between their armed forces and increase mutual cooperation, considering the common global threats. Key Facts: Varuna-18 was conducted in three sea areas, including the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean. The exercise was conducted in three phases and included anti-submarine, air defence and asymmetric engagement exercises. The first phase of the exercise was held in Arabian Sea. The second phase was held off the Chennai coast in Bay of Bengal in April 2017 and third near France’s La Reunion Island in South Western Indian Ocean in May 2018. This edition of exercise saw participation of French submarine and frigate Jean de Vienne from French side. The Indian Naval was represented by destroyer INS Mumbai, frigate Trikand with their integral helicopters, INS submarine Kalvari, P8-I and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as the Mig 29K fighter aircraft. Background: India is major partner of France in Indian Ocean region. Maritime security is priority in India-France’s defence and security policy, along with the fight against terrorism. Indian Navy and the French Navy have been conducting naval exercises since 1983. These exercises were christened as Varuna in 2001. The last edition of this annual bilateral exercise was conducted off French coast in April 2017. The Varuna series of exercises now has grown in scope and complexity and provides opportunity to naval forces of both countries to increase interoperability and learn from each other’s best practices.
    23) Online marketplace and hospitality service provider Airbnb has signed four MoUs to boost tourism North East India. The MoUs were singed under aegis of Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER). They were signed on behalf of North Eastern Council (NEC), North East Tourism Development Council (NETDC), North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) and North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP). Key Facts: The MoUs aim at creating hospitality micro-entrepreneurs across key destinations in North East India. They seek to leverage community resources and appropriate local resources based technology for development. Under MoUs, NEC, NETDC and Airbnb had agreed to expand tourism in north east India through Airbnb’s global platform. They will also improve quality of homestay facilities and unique properties in NER and provide and promote outstanding tourism resources. They will also cooperate to improve regulatory environment for home sharing in North East. They will also aim to generate technology-enabled livelihood opportunities in tourism and hospitality for micro-entrepreneurs in North East India and to help low-income families monetize their existing assets through home sharing. Under these agreements, Airbnb will provide training to core teams of NERLP and NERCORMP, which will further train existing and potential hosts on home sharing, responsible hosting, hospitality standards, hygiene and basic amenities.
    24) The Gulf Shield – 1 military exercise of 23 countries including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states was held in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. It was organised by Ministry of Defence of Saudi Arabia. The one month exercise was largest military drill in region as it saw participation of participation of ground, naval and air forces of participating countries. Gulf Shield 1 military exercise: The multilateral exercise was aimed to raise military readiness of participating countries, modernise joint mechanisms and enhance coordination and cooperation. It also aimed to exchange expertise in fields of planning, organizing, and implementing different training activities. It also enhanced skills of participating elements and developed their abilities to carry out symmetric and asymmetric tasks in different fields of operations in order to secure vital goals and protect maritime borders and corridors. The exercise comes within armed forces joint-training plan with brotherly and friendly countries, to exchange experiences and enhance military cooperation in order to reach the highest levels of efficiency and combat readiness.
    25) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) in New Delhi. He also presented Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Awards. Key Facts: FINE is an initiative to recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and foster supportive ecosystem for innovators. The 5-day festival was organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in association with Department of Science and Technology (DST) and National Innovation Foundation-India (NIFI). It was aimed to provide platform for innovators for building linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years to develop their ideas into implementable projects for the larger social good.
    26) President Ram Nath Kovind has given Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik (72) additional charge of Odisha until regular arrangements are made. He was given additional charge after incumbent governor S C Jamir completed his five-year tenure. The five-time Chief Minister of Nagaland S C Jamir had taken over as Odisha governor in March 2013 after serving as governor of Goa and Maharashtra. He had also been given additional charge of Gujarat in 2009. Satya Pal Malik: He hails from Baghpat district in western Uttar Pradesh. He had begun his political career in 1970s as member of UP Legislative Assembly between 1974 and 1977. He was elected from Aligarh Lok Sabha constituency on Janata Dal ticket in 1989-90. He also served as a member of Rajya Sabha for two terms of 1980-86 and 1986-1992. He has also served as MoS for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism. He has also served in several Parliamentary Committees. He was also member of Uttar Pradesh Assembly from 1974 to 1977. Constitutional provisions of Governor: Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated appointment of same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President for term of 5 years but usually holds office during pleasure of President. There is no provision of impeachment, as it happens for the president.
    27) The world sparrow day (WSD) is observed every year on March 20 to raise awareness of the house sparrow and other common birds in urban environments and threats to their populations. The rationale for celebrating the Day is to use it as a platform to underscore the need to conserve sparrows as well as the urban biodiversity. Declining Population: The sparrow, especially the common house sparrow is one of the oldest companions of human beings. But its population is declining for various reasons such as destruction of its habitat, lack of insect food for the young and the increasing microwave pollution from mobile phone towers. Background: WSD is an international initiative by the Nature Forever Society of India (NFSI) in collaboration with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France) and also numerous other national and international organisations across the world. The first WSD was organised in different parts of the world in 2010. In 2012, then Delhi Government had launched campaign called “Rise of Sparrows” aimed at conservation of House Sparrow among other birds. It was also declared as the ‘state bird’ by then Delhi for its conservation.
    28) President Ram Nath Kovind has released Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 10 commemorative coins on the occasion of Nabakalebar festival at a function held in Puri, Odisha. These coins were release to mark the festival which is a symbolic recreation of sibling deities — Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Nabakalebara Festival: Nabakalebara festival is an ancient ritual that is observed in the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha at predefined time according to Hindu Calender. Naba means new and Kalebara is body. In this festival, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by new idols as it is believed that Lord Shree Jagannath adornes new body during Nabakalebara. It is usually comes in every twelve to nineteen years based on the auspicious two months of Ashadha in a year called as Purusottam month as per the Hindu calendar.
    29) Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new species of water strider named Ptilomera nagalanda Jehamalar and Chandra in Nagaland. It was found in river Intanki in Peren district of Nagaland. This newly discovered species belongs to Ptilomera agriodes genus. It measures about 11.79 mm and has long slender legs. It has orange with black stripes on dorsal side and pale yellowish brown ventral part of body. The presence of black stripes on dorsal side differentiates this species from other known species of subgenus Ptilomera. It is only found in rocky, fast flowing streams and rivers that are not exposed to lot of sunlight. It has hair on middle legs that help insects resist strong current of streams. Water striders: Water striders aregroup of insects adapted to life on surface of water, using surface tension to their advantage. Their presence serves as indicator water of water quality and also play important role in food chain in river ecosystem as they feed on mosquito larvae. Water striders have three pairs of legs. The front legs are relatively shorter than mid and hind legs and used to catch and hold prey. They possess needle-like mouth parts that are used for sucking the juice of prey. There are nearly 100 species of water striders found in India across different water bodies such as open ocean, ponds, pools, lakes, rivers, streams etc. With discovery of Ptilomera nagalanda, the number of species of water striders belonging to subgenus Ptilomera has increased to six in India. These includes Ptilomera agriodes found in peninsular India, Ptilomera laticaudata, northern and northeastern India, Ptilomera assamensis found in northeastern India, Pltilomera occidentalis from Uttarakhand and Ptilomera tigrina found in the Andaman islands.
    30) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned interceptor boat ICGS C-437 at Porbandar, Gujarat as part of its efforts to strengthen coastal security. ICGS C-437 shall be based at Jakhau under administrative and operational control of commander Coast Guard Region (North West). ICGS C-437: The interceptor boat is 27.8m long, has displacement capacity of 106 tonnes and has maximum speed of 45 knots. It is capable of undertaking multifarious task such as surveillance, search and rescue, interdiction and rendering assistance to boats and craft in distress at sea. The boat has advanced navigational and communication equipment with capability to respond to any maritime situation. Its induction will strengthen the security umbrella of the west coast and will help augment patrolling, to prevent illicit activities such as infiltration, smuggling and illegal fishing.
    31) NITI Aayog has released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) project to introduce system-wide Governance Transformation in school education. SATH-E project: SATH-E project aims at promoting vocational education, skill development, teacher training and introducing technology in classrooms. It will also promote data-driven analysis to strengthen academic monitoring across schools in the country. It also aims to transform elementary and secondary school education across these three states. Its roadmap refers to time-bound, goal-driven exercise that will reach its logical culmination by end of academic year 2020. It seeks to create role model states for education across country to facilitate qualitative and quantitative transformation of learning outcomes. It will use innovative, external third party funding and Public- Private- Philanthropic Partnership (PPPP) experimentation. It will be facilitated by National Steering Group (NSG), chaired by CEO of NITI Aayog and including Chief Secretaries of 3 states, which will continuously monitor progress, introduce course-corrections and offer a platform for addressing issues in implementation. Key Facts: The roadmaps will operate between 2018 to 2020. They lay out detailed interventions to be taken by three participating states- Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha to become ‘Role Model States’ in school education. These roadmaps will present first-of-its-kind, customized, action-oriented programmes, outlining interventions at individual, district and State level. They were jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, three participating states and knowledge partners of SATH Initiatives, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation For Education Leadership (PFEL). NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Union Government, providing both directional and policy inputs. It is essentially an advisory body that seeks to provide critical directional and strategic inputs across spectrum of key elements of policy to the centre. Prime Minister is ex-officio chairman of NITI Aayog.
    32) The Revenue Department in the Finance Ministry has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of ‘Ofloxacin’, a pharma product used in treatment of certain infections from China. It was imposed for three years following recommendations of Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) to protect domestic producers from below-cost shipments. In its probe DGAD had found that Ofloxacin exported to India from China was below its normal value, resulting in dumping. It had caused material injury to the domestic industry. Ofloxacin: Ofloxacin is in class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It is used to treat certain infections including bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of skin, bladder, urinary tract, reproductive organs, and prostate (a male reproductive gland). It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Anti-dumping duty: It is an import duty imposed by government on imported products which have prices less than their normal values or domestic price. It act as a protectionist and counter import measure used by a country under multilateral World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime to protect its domestic producers and market from below-cost/cheap imports. The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practises and creating level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters. It varies from product to product and from country to country. In India, anti-dumping duty to be levied is recommended by Ministry of Commerce (i.e. by DGAD), while Finance Ministry imposes it.
    33) The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched its lost and found mobile applcation for passengers at 59 airports across India. It can be downloaded from the website of Ministry of Information and Technology. The CISF guards 59 civil airports across the country. Key Facts: The app offers three facilities – lost and found items at airports, tracking complaints or request status and technical consultancy in security, and fire services. Its main advantage is to help passengers to directly register complaints and get status of their complaint immediately from airports under its security cover. It can also be used to place a request for obtaining technical consultancy provided by force. The app will allow passengers to upload information on lost articles along with their travel details. It will provide passengers alert when the lost article is found. Background: The CISF had launched ‘Lost and Found’ scheme on its website in 2015 to trace and restore items and valuables left behind by the commuters at airports. It was able to restore property worth Rs. 50.05 crore (2017) and Rs. 5.49 crore (till March 2018) to passengers with the help of the website. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): The CISF is a central armed police force under the aegis of Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It was initially established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 to protect major PSUs.However, it was converted to an armed force with a larger ambit under an amendment to the Act in 1983. Now, CISF provides security to industrial ventures and establishments, VIPs and engages in disaster management amongst others. It also has a Fire Wing to response to fire emergencies/accidents. With force larger than 1,65,000 it is the largest security force in the world.
    34) Philippines has announced to withdraw from International Criminal Court (ICC) citing reason of international bias and held that ICC was being utilised as a political tool against it. It will make Philippines only second country to withdraw from the Rome statute, following Burundi in 2017. South Africa attempted to leave in 2016, but its withdrawal was revoked by UN. Key Facts: Philippines had ratified Rome statute related to Hague-based ICC in 2011. Its ratification was seen as big step forward for human rights in Asia. Now its withdrawal is seen as blow for international accountability in the region. The ICC in February 2018 had announced that it was launching preliminary examination of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody anti-drug crackdown that has drawn international concern. It is clamed that nearly 4,000 drug suspects were killed as part of campaign, while human rights groups claim the toll is around three times the numbers given by authorities. International Criminal Court (ICC): ICC is the world’s first intergovernmental legal body with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is based in The Hague, Netherlands. It began its functioning on 1 July 2002, the date that Rome Statute entered into force. It has 123 member states (India is not its member). The Rome Statute is multilateral treaty which serves as ICC’s foundational and governing document. India has not signed Rome Statute. The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals and is independent of United Nations (UN). But it may receive case referrals from UN Security Council and can initiate prosecutions without UN action or referral. Note: US signed the treaty (Rome Statute) in 2000 but never ratified it, citing concerns over sovereignty, similarly with Russia. Israel signed it for a short period but also never ratified it into law. China has not signed it.
    35) The three-day annual Krishi Unnati Mela was held in New Delhi with focus on doubling farmers’ income. The objective of fair was to create awareness among farmers about latest agriculture-related technological developments. In it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and unveil a portal on organic farming. PM Modi also conferred Krishi Karman Award and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar to progressive farmers and states on the occasion. Key Facts: The Krishi Mela this year will be significant owing to the interests of farmers and those involved in allied sectors. More than 900 stalls have been set up. The theme pavilions were on doubling of farmers income, organic farming, cooperatives, farm inputs to assist farmers with latest developments in farming technique and popularize dairy, animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Textiles, North Eastern council also had set up their stalls at mela.
    36) The Odisha government will collaborate with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for strengthening its early warning services and enhancing preparedness for management of hazards in state. The partnership will be forged between Odisha State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) and RIMES in field of drought monitoring and early warning for different natural disasters. RIMES is already working with the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority. Key Facts: Both entities will ink Memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration and evolve institutional mechanism between them for better coordination. The partnership will help OSDMA to strengthen its quality, prediction ability and response capacity. RIMES will provide technical support to OSDMA regarding analysis of data to be generated through automatic weather stations being installed in all gram panchayats, validation of forecast, early warning and preparedness for lightening, heat wave, flood, draught and Tsunami. Significance: It will help OSDMA to engage integrated multi-hazard early warning system to strengthen its prediction and response capability. The collaboration will also strengthen OSDMA for more effective management of natural disasters. It will also help in transfer of best practices among different countries of world in handling natural disasters. It will also enhance warning response capacities of OSDMA by imparting specialized expert training. It will also help to develop one-stop risk management system for all OSDMA needs-integration of multiple data database/servers. RIMES: The RIMES is an intergovernmental body registered under United Nations. It is owned and managed by 45 collaborating countries in Asia Pacific and Africa Region. India is chairman of the body. It was established in 2009 and was registered with UN in July 2009. It operates from its regional early warning centre located at campus of Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand. It has evolved from efforts of countries in Africa and Asia in aftermath of 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Mandate: It seeks to establish regional early warning system within multi-hazard framework for generation and communication of early warning information and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. It provides information related to Tsunami and extreme weather conditions. It also acts as a test bed for emerging technologies and help to enhance performance.
    37) Government has inked $120 million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for completion of projects to improve Rail Infrastructure along high-density corridors and operational efficiency of Indian railways. The loan has 20-year term, including grace period of 5 years and have annual interest rate determined according to ADB’s London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) based lending facility, and commitment charge of 0.15% per year. Rail Infrastructure Improvement Project: The loan amount is 3 tranche of $500 million multi-tranche financing facility for Railway Sector Investment Program approved by ADB Board in 2011. The loan amount will be used to complete the ongoing works commenced under earlier tranches. The project is aimed at enhancing efficiency of rail infrastructure through electrification, introduction of modern signaling system and doubling rail tracks on key routes in country. It will help to develop energy-efficient, safe, and reliable railway system that will result in reduced travel time along project rail routes and improved operational and financial efficiency. Funding will contribute towards achieving overall program outputs of double-tracking about 840 kms of rail routes and electrification of 640 kms of tracks along high density corridors. It will also help to implement new accounting systems and provide additional safety measures including collision avoidance equipment. The loan proceeds will be used for busy freight and passenger routes in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, including “Golden Quadrilateral” corridor that connects Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. It was established in 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Now it has 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. The ADB has been modelled closely on World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan was largest shareholder (capital subscription) having 15.7% shares followed by US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India (6.4%), and Australia (5.8%).
    38) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 105th session of Indian Science Congress (ISC) at Manipur Central University in Imphal. The focal theme of 5-day ISC is “Reaching the Unreached Through Science & Technology”. Key Facts: The ISC 2018 was organised by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), a premier scientific organisation of India. This is 2nd time the Science Congress is being held in the north east. Earlier it was held at Shillong (Meghalaya) in 2009. Approximately, 5,000 delegates from all over country and 2,000 scientists along with four Nobel Laureates are participating in this year mega event. Under the mentioned theme, scientists from across world will look at bridging social gaps through innovations. Its thrust will be on science disciplines which impact society and sustainable development. Background: ISCA was started in the year 1914 at its headquarters in Kolkata. It organises Indian Science Congress annually in the first week of January. The first meeting of the ISCC was held in January 1914 in the Asiatic Society, Kolkata. he 104th edition of ISC was held in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) with the theme “Science and Technology for National Development”.
    39) Jaipur will co-host 8th Theatre Olympics, the largest international theatre festival being held for the first time in India. The Jaipur chapter of Theatre Olympics 2018 is organised by National School of Drama (NSD) under the aegis of Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Ravindra Manch Society and Art & Culture Department, Rajasthan Government. Key Facts: As a co-host, it will provide great opportunity to highlight the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It will provide platform to number of folk art forms and theatre performers from state have. Rajasthan has number of indigenous folk and theatrical art forms, most of which are popular among people such as puppet dance, Kalbelia, Ghoomar among others. Some of folk art forms like Swaang, Gawri among others will be showcased during the theatre festival. 8th Theatre Olympics: The 8th edition of Theatre Olympics was inaugurated by Vice president Venkaih Naidu in New Delhi in February 2018. The event was organised by National School of Drama (NSD). The theme of festival is – “Flag of Friendship“ The 51-day long nationwide theatre extravaganza will cover 17 cities in India with more than 25,000 artists performing 450 shows, 600 ambience performances and 250 youth show. 30 countries participated in the festival from across the globe. The Theatre Olympics: The Theatre Olympics is an international festival that brings together finest productions of well-known theatre practitioners from around the world. It was established in 1993 in Delphi, Greece as an initiative of noted Greek theatre director Theodorus Terzopoulus. Greece was the first country to host the Theatre Olympics in 1995. Since then it was held in Japan (1999), Russia (2001), Turkey (2006), South Korea (2010) and China (2014). The 7th edition of mega carnival of theatre was held in Poland in 2016.
    40) Maharashtra Government has banned use of plastic in time-bound manner, citing environmental and public health concerns. The decision was taken at cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The ban will include plastic bags, thermocol, disposable cups and plates, cutlery, non-woven polypropylene bags, plastic pouches and packaging. Key Facts: The ban exempts plastic used to cover medicines, forest and horticulture products, solid waste, tree saplings and use of plastic in special economic zones (SEZ) for export purposes. Similarly, plastic covers and wrappers used for manufactured and processed products would also be exempted. The decision will be enforced across rural and urban Maharashtra. All municipal corporations, councils, district collectors and chief executive officers (CEOs) of zilla parishads have been sensitised to ensure its implementation in their respective regions. All small and medium-scale industries (SMEs) and big industries involved in plastic businesses will be provided adequate time frame to switch over to alternative modes of businesses. Government has recommended various business models along with employment to people engaged in plastic industries. Government will also provide some incentives to those who strictly adhere to ban decision. There is also proposal to slap penalty such as non-renewing of licences for shops and industries which violate decision.
    41) Pune was ranked first among 23 cities across India in terms of quality of urban governance in the fifth edition of Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 report released by Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation, Janaagraha. ASICS 2017: The objective of survey was to measure preparedness of cities to deliver high quality infrastructure and services in long term by evaluating city systems. It spans 23 Indian cities and factors in answers to 89 questions. These questions are classified on four categories viz. urban planning & design, urban capacities & resources, transparency, accountability & participation and empowered & legitimate political representation. These cities were scored on a scale of 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest) based on quality of laws, policies, institutions and institutional processes that together help govern them. The report addresses five major issues, and suggests solutions at local body, State and Central government levels. It underlines need for sharp focus on City-Systems or institutional reforms to city governance in our cities. Key Highlights of ASICS 2017: In it, Pune topped the list by scoring 5.1 out of 10 for the first time. It was followed by Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar and Surat with scores in range of 4.6 to 4.5. Delhi moved 3 spots up to 6th place against 9th in 2016 survey. Mumbai’s ranking fell from 6th in 2016 to 9th in 2017. The worst performers in ASICS 2017 were Bengaluru (scoring the least at 3 out of 10), Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna and Chennai. These constituted bottom five cities with scores ranging between 3 and 3.3 out of 10.
    42) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched LaQshya program aimed at improving quality of maternity care in labour room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT). It is being implemented to ‘fast-track’ interventions for achieving tangible results. Key Facts: The program aims to improve quality of care for pregnant women in labour room, maternity Operation Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs). It is implemented at all Medical College Hospitals, District Hospitals and First Referral Unit (FRU) and Community Health Center (CHCs). Under it, multi-pronged strategy has been adopted such as improving infrastructure up-gradation, ensuring availability of essential equipment, providing adequate human resources, capacity building of health care workers and improving quality processes in labour room. Significance: It will benefit every pregnant woman and new-born delivering in public health institutions. It will reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. It will improve quality of care during delivery and immediate post-partum period and enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries. It will provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending public health facilities. LaQshya certification: The NQAS (National Quality Assurance Standards) will monitor quality improvement in labour room and maternity OT. Every facility achieving 70% score on NQAS will be certified as LaQshya certified facility. Facilities scoring more than 90%, 80% and 70% will be given Platinum, Gold and Silver badge accordingly. Facilities achieving NQAS certification, defined quality indicators and 80% satisfied beneficiaries will be provided financial incentives.
    43) The Lok Sabha has passed Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to empower government to fix period of maternity leave and tax-free gratuity amount with an executive order. The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972: It allows for payment of gratuity to employees in any establishment, factory, mine, oilfield, plantation, port, railways, company, or shop employing 10 or more workers. Under it, employees are paid gratuity if they have provided at least 5 years of continuous service at time of termination. Key Features of Bill: The Bill empowers central government to notify period of maternity leave eligible for qualifying as continuous service and determine amount of gratuity available to employees. The maximum maternity leave, for the purpose of calculating continuous service under the Act, was based on the maternity leave provided under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The Bill removes the reference to 12 weeks in Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and empowers central government to notify the maximum maternity leave. Under the Act, maximum maternity leave was 12 weeks and was changed to 26 weeks by Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. The Bill removes the existing ceiling of Rs 10 lakh amount of gratuity payable to an employee and states that the ceiling may be notified by the central government.
    44) The Lok Sabha has passed Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to further ease procedures for doing business in the country. The Bill seeks to amend the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Features of Bill: Specific performance: The Bill seeks to remove conditions of specific performance is limited right, which may be given by court at its discretion and permit specific performance by courts as general rule. It adds limited liability partnership (LLP), a new entity formed from amalgamation of two existing LLPs, one of which may have entered into a contract before the amalgamation. Substituted performance: The Bill gives affected party (i.e. party whose contract has not been performed by other party) option to arrange for performance of contract by third party or by his own agency (substituted performance). Injunctions: It prevent courts from granting injunctions in contracts related to infrastructure projects, if such injunction hinder or delay completion of project in infrastructure sectors and their sub-sectors like transport, energy, water and sanitation, communication and social and commercial infrastructure. The central government may amend list of sectors through notification. Special Courts: It allows state government to designate certain civil courts as Special Courts in consultation with Chief Justice of High Court. These courts will deal with cases related to infrastructure projects. Such cases must be disposed off within 1 year from date of receipt of summons by defendant. This period can be extended by courts for another 6 months. Recovery of possession: It permits person through whom dispossessed got possession of immovable property, to file a suit for recovery. Experts: It inserts new provision for engaging technical experts in suits where expert opinion may be needed. The court will determine terms of payment of such expert. The payment of experts will be borne by both parties. Specific Relief Act, 1963: It is law sets out remedies available to parties whose contractual or civil rights have been violated. It also provides a remedy that aims at the exact fulfilment of an obligation or specific performance of the contract rather than a general relief or compensation or damages. It sets out two main remedies to party whose contract has not been performed. First one, the party may ask court to compel performance of contract (specific performance and second one, the party may seek monetary compensation instead of performance.
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